Compare: Best Secure Messaging Apps Available In NZ

Online communication has been an important part of everyone's life for the past decade. We're so used to it that it's pretty much part of our daily routine. Which makes you think, much of these online conversations are actually secured?

Thousands of websites get hacked each day and cybercrimes have increased in 2020. You might be vulnerable to cyberattacks and data breaching, which is why it's important to take safety measures such as using secured apps when sending important information or documents.

While there are hundreds of messaging apps to choose from, only a few of them provide the best security. We've rounded up the best secure messaging apps just for you.

Signal

Many users today are using Signal to communicate with anyone in the world for free. It uses end-to-end encryption to make sure messages are secured. Signal allows users to send and receive high-fidelity messages and have HD voice and video calls with people. Signal has advanced privacy-preserving technology so you can be sure that your conversations are safe.

Price: Free

Why use Signal?

• The app allows you to send anything from text and voice messages to photos, GIFs, videos and files all for free. You don't have to worry about SMS and MMS fees as the app uses your phone's data connection.
• Talk to anyone via voice or video calls, with no long-distance charges
• Make your conversations even more fun with encrypted stickers which you can also create and share with others.
• Make connecting with friends, coworkers, and family easier with group chats.
• Aside from being free, Signal has no ads, trackers, and affiliate marketers, so you can use the app with no interruptions.

Signal is available on IOS and Android, and Windows, Mac, and Linux

Apple Messages

If you have an Apple device, you're most likely familiar and have been using Apple Messages already. It has an impressive feature when it comes to security, including end-to-end encryption between users. It allows users to control how long they want their messages to stay up, and the number of times the recipient can view the sender's message (for those who have iOS 10 and above).

Price: Free

Why use Apple Messages?

• Messages and FaceTime have end-to-end encryption. Note that the messages you send to a non-Apple device will not be encrypted.

Apple Messages is available on IOS and Mac.

Whatsapp

WhatsApp has gained popularity over the years. Simple and reliable, the app offers messaging and calling for free (depending on your provider) wherever you are in the world. It also has end-to-end encryption to ensure that your messages and calls are secured.

Price: Free

Why use WhatsApp?

• Standard features such as messaging, video calling, voice messaging, and document sharing
• You can use the app on both web and desktop, and seamlessly sync your chats so you can conveniently check and send messages on whatever device you’re using

WhatsApp is available on IOS, Android, Mac, and Windows PC

Telegram

One of the most used messaging apps today, Telegram has proven to be one of the best, including their security features. It offers two layers of secure encryption and both private and group chats offer server-to-client encryption, while secret chats support client-to-client encryption.

Price: Free

Why use Telegram?

• It's simple and easy-to-use and lets you access the app from multiple devices.
• Messages are heavily encrypted and can also 'self-destruct', making them safe from hacker attacks.
• It has no limits on the size when it comes to sending documents and media.
• Customizable according to your liking
• You can create social groups that can hold up to 200,000 members.

Note that the app doesn't have end-to-end encryption by default, which means you need to use the Secret Chats option to enable it. The messages will self-destruct automatically or at a set time.

Telegram is available on IOS and Android, and Windows, Mac, and Linux

Viber

Another well-known app, Viber is an ideal option for communication with people in different countries or if you travel abroad a lot. It relies on the internet for secure calls and messages, so it's great for international calls or just the usual chat.

Price: Free

Why use Viber?

• It has enabled end-to-end encryption.
• High-quality voice and video calls
• Viber communities about different topics which you can join to meet and socialize with other members. You can also create your community!
• Option to delete and edit seen messages
• Set self-destruct timer to messages
• Start direct chats with people you meet in the communities without the need to expose your phone numbers
• Update your settings and have the option to change whether you want your contacts to see your online status and delivery status of their messages to you.

Viber is available on IOS and Android, and Windows, Mac

Wickr

Wickr is an app established by Silicon Valley-based privacy and security advocates in 2012, and one of the first ones to have end-to-end encryption. Messages are guaranteed to be secure and are automatically encrypted. The company also conducts regular security audits. You can use the app for free, but it only allows up to 10 users. If you want an enterprise account with no user limit, there are three paid tiers you can purchase.

Price: Free (up to 10 users)/Up to $25 per month for unlimited users

Why use Wickr?

• Great security features, including self-destructing messages, screenshot detection for Android users, and blocking third-party keyboards on iOS
• It makes sure that any files deleted on the app are unrecoverable.
• It doesn't have as many users as other messaging apps, so you can better filter the people you want to talk to.
• The app doesn't sync your messages across devices, which means you can have multiple separate conversations with users.

Wickr is available on IOS and Android, and Windows, Mac, and Linux

Wire

Wire is a secure messaging app that combines useful and fun features to make communicating with people more fun. You don't need to enter your number to register and use the app.

Price: Free/$9.50 per month

Why use Wire?

• End-to-end encrypted chats, calls, and files
• You can also time your messages and chats for important news or updates
• No ads so you can be sure that app data are not being sold to advertising companies
• 100% open source, which means you can verify, modify, and improve its source code on GitHub

Wire is available on IOS and Android, and Windows, Mac, and Linux

Threema

Threema is a messenger app that takes pride in putting your privacy and security first. While you have to pay to use the app, you only have to pay once to use the app forever. User data are not collected. It's used by many large corporations, NGOs, and more for internal and external communication.

Price: $2.99 (one-time payment)

Why use Threema?

• The app is open-source and chats are end-to-end encrypted.
• Linking your phone number or email address is not required to set up an account on the app
• Create polls and chat anonymously
• Hide chats and use passwords so no one else can access them
• Verify contacts through QR code

Signal is available on IOS and Android, and Windows, Mac, and Linux

Silence

Protect your messages with Silence, where all are encrypted locally, while messages to other Silence users are encrypted over the air. It works like any other SMS app and there's no need for you to sign up or your friends to join to use it.

Price: Free

Why use Silence?

• End-to-end encryption for messages using a Signal encryption protocol
• Messages are encrypted locally, giving your messages extra protection in case your phone gets stolen
• It uses encrypted SMS messages and doesn't need servers or data connections to work.
• It’s free and open-source, allowing users to verify the app’s security.

Silence is available on F-Droid and Google Play

Line

Line is a free, messaging app that you can use both on your mobile devices and PC. It's a secure platform developed by Japanese engineers with end-to-end encryption known as "Letter Sealing".

Price: Free

Why use Line?

• Secure messaging (you need to turn on the "Letter Sealing" manually)
• Thousands of stickers to choose from
• Option to follow accounts of your favorite artists, celebrities, brands, and more for news and promotions
• Share updates like photos and videos on Timeline
• "Shake It!" function which allows users to add each other by shaking their devices if they're nearby
• Have group calls with your friends from desktop or mobile

Line is available on IOS and Android, and Windows, Mac

Dust

Dust aims to give users the control they need when it comes to their digital life, especially when it comes to communicating. Dust conversations are heavily encrypted so you can share photos, videos, sensitive information, and more without worrying about it getting leaked or used against you.

Price: Free

Why use Dust?

• Heavily encrypted
• Option to unsend a message
• Detects if a screenshot is taken and notifies you
• Automatically deletes history after 24 hours

Dust is available on IOS and Android

Pryvate Now

Pryvate Messenger was established in 2013, providing a secure communications platform for users. They have no access to any of the user's encryption keys, making them impossible to hack or leak. They won the Best Mobile App Awards' prestigious Best Business App award in 2015 and are known as one of the best by many organizations and professionals.

Price: Free/Has paid packages

Why use Pryvate Now?

• Auto delete feature that automatically deletes messages or at your desired time
• Screenshot Spy where you get notified each time a user screenshots a conversation
• Anti-blocking tech

Pryvate Now is available on IOS and Android 

Communication is very important for both personal and work, so it's best to have a reliable mobile plan so you can use your messaging apps without interruption.

Find a mobile plan that matches your needs right here at CompareBear!